A devastating fire in Hong Kong has claimed at least 75 lives, making it one of the deadliest blazes in decades. The inferno erupted Wednesday afternoon in the Wang Fuk Court and Kwong Fuk Estate complexes in the Tai Po district, quickly spreading to multiple buildings undergoing renovation. As of Thursday, officials reported that 76 people were injured, including 11 firefighters, and at least 62 individuals remain trapped in the charred structures.

The fire began in bamboo scaffolding and rapidly engulfed the neighboring buildings, fueled by strong winds. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as residents attempted to escape. Wong Sik-kam, a survivor, recounted how he was alerted by his firefighter son. "I thought it was just a bit of a commotion and it’d be put out," Wong said. "But it turned out to be that big that the whole estate went up in flames."

Rescue operations are ongoing, with firefighters working through the night to locate survivors. A mother outside a shelter shared her heartbreak, stating, "My baby is dead. I am the mum who keeps posting non-stop on social media trying to find my baby." She also reported that her in-laws are missing.

Authorities have arrested three men, including two directors and a consultant from the construction company responsible for the renovation, on suspicion of manslaughter. Investigators suspect that materials used in the building's exterior may not have met fire safety standards, contributing to the rapid spread of the flames. Eileen Chung, a senior police superintendent, stated, "We have reason to believe that those in charge of the construction company were grossly negligent."

The fire was declared a level 5 alarm, the highest severity, as it continued to rage through the night. Firefighters faced extreme conditions, with high temperatures and falling debris complicating rescue efforts. Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Fire Service operations, noted, "The temperature inside the buildings concerned is very high. It’s difficult for us to enter the building and go upstairs to conduct firefighting and rescue operations."

As the situation unfolded, many residents were evacuated to temporary shelters. Local officials have opened community centers to assist those displaced by the fire. Survivors expressed their distress, with one resident stating, "I’ve given up thinking about my property. Watching it burn like that was really frustrating."

The tragedy has prompted a response from Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee, who has prioritized the disaster response and indicated that public efforts for the upcoming Legislative Council elections will be halted. The government is also conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire, with a focus on safety regulations in construction practices.

As families continue to search for missing loved ones, the community is coming together to support those affected. Social workers at the shelters are providing essential services, including medication for elderly residents. The emotional toll of the disaster is evident, with many expressing their grief and uncertainty about the future as rescue efforts continue.